To view this email as a web page, click here.

This month invites us to focus on care, connection, and prevention across the lifespan.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, highlighting the importance of early habits, education, and access to care that support lifelong oral and overall health. It is also American Heart Month, reinforcing the growing understanding of the connections between oral health, cardiovascular health, and prevention. With moments like Tooth Fairy Day and Valentine’s Day, this time of year offers natural reminders that oral health is closely tied to well-being, family, and care.

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

A new scientific statement published in Circulation by the American Heart Association reviews the current body of evidence examining the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Children's oral health care use and oral health in the United States after the COVID-19 pandemic

A publication in the Journal of the American Dental Association examines children’s oral health care use and oral health outcomes in the United States following the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing post-pandemic trends through 2023 with prepandemic levels using national survey data.

Enabling factors and oral health care use among children aged 0 through 5 years

Using data from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children’s Health, a publication in the Journal of the American Dental Association explores how factors such as insurance coverage, household characteristics, and access to care influence whether young children receive dental services.

Editorial: Impact of overall health on oral health of children and adolescents

An editorial published in the Frontiers in Dental Medicine explores how overall health influences oral health outcomes among children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of integrated, whole-person approaches to care.

AROUND THE WORLD

Children's oral health: prevention must start at home

A new publication in the British Dental Journal emphasizes the importance of early oral health behaviors, caregiver engagement, and preventive practices in improving children’s oral health outcomes.

This month, we’re highlighting the Santa Fe Group’s Medical–Dental Integration initiative page, which brings together timely research, policy insights, and educational resources focused on strengthening the connection between oral health and overall health.

The page explores how integrated care models, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based policy can improve patient outcomes, reduce health disparities, and advance whole-person care. It also serves as a growing hub for articles, reports, and updates that support informed dialogue across dentistry, medicine, and health systems.

We invite you to explore the Medical–Dental Integration resources and return often as new materials are added